Owen County Q & A

As Indianapolis Colts fans around the country watched the organization say ‘goodbye’ to 14-year veteran quarterback Peyton Manning on Wednesday, the Spencer Evening World took the opportunity Thursday morning to ask locals about their thoughts and feelings on the departure of #18.

“I like his character and personality. He’s done a lot for the state and the community of Indianapolis. He’s someone who says, ‘Hey, can I help out.’ That’s the kind of personality we all should have. But I’ll still be a Colts fan... we still have our season tickets for next year.” – Lowell Robinson, Freedom “I’m sad to see him go and I understand it’s a business, but change will be hard. I’ll still be a Peyton fan, but it depends on where he lands. I may not be a diehard Colts fan, but they’re still the hometown team.” – Paula Wood, Bowling Green “I hate to see him go and we’re not in the know about his health issues. It makes me wonder if (Colts’ owner Jim) Irsay saw the writing on the wall that it was time for a change. Obviously, they thought it out and looked at it long and hard before they made a decision.” – Dave Newgent, Cloverdale “It’s so sad. He is the Colts. He’s an institution and $28 million is a lot, but how much revenue will they lose now? It’s a business, but it’s also a sad day.” – Connie Kay & Jodi Drescher, Spencer “I just think that’s professional sports. He didn’t want to go. I don’t think it was about money, because he doesn’t need it. He will do well somewhere else, but the team he goes to will have to have a good offensive line. He’s a great quarterback and he did so much, helping the children’s hospital. You never hear anything bad about him doing something stupid, it’s all positive. He’s the most cerebral quarterback in the NFL as far as preparation goes. ” – Ken McCollum, Spencer “Irsay should never have let him go. I’m very unhappy and I think Peyton would have settled. Now they’re rebuilding and they have let all of his friends go.” – Jackie Robinson, Freedom “I do think he will go on and make someone a very good quarterback. I’m sad to see him go. The Colts are rebuilding and people will have to be patient until we’re back on the winning side of the (win-loss) column.” – Mike Spinks, Spencer “It’s obviously a sad day, but as a die-hard Colts fan, it’s a situation that both parties agreed upon. I’m just glad it didn’t get ugly like similar situations have in the past. Indianapolis will likely never see another Peyton Manning; the fan base is so spoiled, so it will be hard to mirror those 10 years. I think Irsay is looking out for Peyton in that he knows the Colts won’t be in a position to compete and Peyton is looking out for the Colts. I’m interested to see how everything will develop.” – Kyle Shipp, Spencer